Looking for a mind-blowing, captivating and enthralling festival this summer? In Edinburgh, you’re spoilt for choice! From music, theatre and dance, to art, books and film, however you like your entertainment you’re sure to find it here.
Take a look at our roundup of what you can expect at this year’s seven summer festivals and clear a space in your diary – there’s lots going on!
Edinburgh International Festival
unique collaborations, world premieres and critically acclaimed productions.
Featuring world premieres, retellings of classic works and critically acclaimed productions in the fields of music, theatre, opera and dance, Edinburgh International Festival is a true celebration of the performing arts.
Since its establishment in 1947 when it sought to encourage the ‘flowering of the human spirit’ in post-war Scotland, it has continued to capture and showcase artistic creativity. And 2024’s programme looks set to continue this aim.
After 2023 Festival’s posed the question: Where Do We Go From Here?, the 2024 Festival explores the theme Rituals That Unite Us. The programme of live entertainment celebrates the practices, traditions and festivities that give us meaning and connect us.
Running over 24 days and featuring 161 performances from over 2000 artists across 42 nations, highlights from this year’s programme include the Scottish premiere of Assembly Hall; the world premiere of David Ireland’s black comedy, The Fifth Step and the major international staged opera, Carmen.
The Edinburgh International Festival runs from 02 to 25 August 2024.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
spotting up-and-coming artists, as well as well-known names.
Spanning theatre, dance, circus, physical theatre, comedy, music, musicals, opera, cabaret, variety, children’s shows, spoken word, exhibitions and events, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cornucopia of entertainment.
The concept of the Fringe is simple – it is open to anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing to host them. And with 3,317 shows to choose from, taking place in 262 venues across the city, it’s not difficult to see why this is the largest arts festival in the world.
This year’s programme features performances tackling some of the most topical issues in the world today. From politics and current affairs to the environment; AI and technology to sport; LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse-led work to capitalism and the female experience.
The Fringe is also a hotspot for talented street-performers. Music, magic, circus and sideshows – you’ll see them all here. The Fringe street events take place in their usual home of the High Street and the Mound.
Be part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 02 to 26 August 2024.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
music, dance, culture, and military traditions against a stunning background.
Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s impressive castle, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of the most special events in Edinburgh’s calendar.
From humble beginnings in 1950, it now attracts local and international audiences and a dazzling display of over 800 UK and international performers. Massed pipe bands, precision drilling, dancing and stunning imagery will transform the Castle’s esplanade into a scene of wonder.
The theme of this year’s programme is Journeys. Performers from USA, India, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, alongside homegrown acts from around the UK, will celebrate the journey of connection through music, dance, culture, and military traditions.
This year’s lead service will be the Royal Navy. Viewers will also be treated to astonishing displays by The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes, one of the world’s leading military college bands; the silent Naval drill of the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard; the energy and colour of Teamwork Arts India, and the smooth, enriching jazz sounds of The United States Sea Service Band.
See the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo between 02 and 24 August 2024.
Edinburgh Art Festival
meaningful art exhibitions, events and projects.
Founded in 2004, Edinburgh Art Festival is the UK’s largest annual festival of visual art. Each year it brings together the capital’s leading galleries and museums to present an ambitious and meaningful programme of exhibitions, events and projects.
Using the opportunity of its 20th birthday to connect with historic and contemporary ways of organising that have built infrastructures of care and pioneering activist movements, this year’s programme of events will be EAF’s biggest to date. Spanning the work of more than 200 artists, and taking place all across the city, it will ask viewers to look again at Edinburgh through the eyes of the exhibiting artists.
Across the city, audiences will be able to experience a range of performances including Mele Broomes presenting a newly commissioned outdoor performance; Prem Sahib’s Alleus – a polyphony of live and pre-recorded voices; Sanctus! – a new film installation by Renèe Helèna Browne which explores devotion in relation to portraiture, faith, and belonging, and El Anatsui’s exhibition of sculptural wall hangings, wooden reliefs and works on paper.
Experience Edinburgh Art Festival from 09 to 25 August 2024.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
discovering both prize-winning and emerging writers.
Celebrating the written word, literature and ideas, this year’s Edinburgh International Book Festival includes over 500 events for adults and children. Authors, writers, campaigners and politicians from over 40 countries will be taking to stages to share stories, ideas and views.
2024’s theme is Future Tense. Through varied events visitors will be able to explore how future-oriented and long-term thinking can bring imagination and perspective to urgent and complex issues including data, AI and politics and economics.
2024 is also the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the festival as it move to a new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. In addition to enjoying events in brand new, state-of-the-art theatres, audiences and visitors can find a plethora of places to read, relax and meet throughout this grand and iconic building, as well as enjoy the specially designed, grassy courtyard.
See some of the world’s greatest novelists (Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie, Lauren Groff and Karl Ove Knausgård); hear from debut authors (Lorraine Kelly), and don’t miss the chance to have copies of favourite books signed in person by many attending authors. Poetry lovers are in for a treat too, with a fantastic line-up, including Natalie Diaz, Michael Ondaatje, Ray Antrobus, Jenni Fagan, Sean Hewitt, Gerald Murnane, Andrew McMillan and Kathleen Jamie.
Explore Edinburgh International Book Festival between 10 and 25 August 2024.
Edinburgh International Film Festival
showcasing the most exciting and innovative new film talent.
Exploring new concepts and innovative approaches in cinema, the Edinburgh International Film Festival features short films, experimental cinema and documentary films across a range of genres.
The hand-picked selection programme will see film lovers treated to a variety of films from renowned film makers, as well as showcasing the work of a new generation of UK and international talent.
The 2024 edition – its 77th anniversary – takes place over seven days and includes 37 new feature films, 18 world premieres, 4 special retrospective screenings and 5 short film programmes.
Cinema lovers to opening night will be treated to Nora Fingscheidt’s adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir, The Outrun, starring Saoirse Ronan. The closing night film is the world premiere of Carla J. Easton and Blair Young’s powerful new documentary Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands.
Watch the Edinburgh International Film Festival between 15 and 12 August 2024.
Please note, Edinburgh will be busier than usual during the Festivals. Plan ahead to avoid delays from planned road closures. We recommend walking or using public transport, such as Lothian Buses or Edinburgh Trams.
Looking for more things to see and do in Edinburgh this summer?
From theatre performances and workshops, to exhibitions and events, there’s lots going on in Edinburgh.
